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Amber Valley Borough Council shares exciting proposals for £2.9 million of new Government funding

Amber Valley Borough Council has been allocated £2,978,000 in Government funding to spend on projects to benefit the community and businesses over the next three years.

The Government announced the allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for projects to be delivered between 2022 and 2025 that meet the Government’s priorities around communities and place, supporting business, and people and skills.

The UKSPF is the Government’s replacement programme for funding that was previously allocated by the European Union.

Among the proposals put forward by the council for Government approval is a £240,000 community grants pot that local groups will be able bid for to deliver projects within their areas.

Other proposals include a £200,000 BMX and skateboard facility for Heanor, which has long been an aspiration for young people in the town. A park and play area improvement programme has also been proposed, as well as funding towards the delivery of the proposed Charles Hill Sports & Community Hub.

Proposals to support businesses in Amber Valley include a shopfront improvement grant scheme and funding and advice for new start-ups and small businesses looking to expand.

Councillor Tony Harper, Amber Valley’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This fantastic opportunity will help us to address the needs of our local communities and to deliver their aspirations.

“I am particularly looking forward to being able to launch the community grants fund, which will enable local groups to bid for funding to deliver their own priorities and support their local area.”

The council expects to hear this autumn whether its proposals have been approved by Government, which would enable the community grants pot to be launched in spring 2023.

For more details on the fund visit the Government’s website – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus